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Pentagon Tries (Again) to Shoot Down Rockets Mortars

A member of the Afghan National Army holds a Rocket Propelled Grenade Launcher. Photo: U.S. Army

*Update: This post was corrected to reflect several errors, most notably a key distinction between counter-projectile technology designed for bases, and that designed for military vehicles. *

The military's already got one system designed to protect military installations from incoming mortar attacks. Now, it looks like they're after another.

Right now, the Pentagon relies on a system known as C-RAM, short for "Counter-Rocket, Artillery and Mortars," to keep forward-operating bases safe from mortar attacks. Now, they're giving Raytheon a $79.2 million contract to develop a new apparatus, called the "Accelerated Improved Intercept System," or AI3, that'd accomplish the same goals.

And they want AI3 to be developed fast: The military's hoping to test the device in a mere 18 months.

To hasten the process, Raytheon will rely mostly on preexisting technology, including a launcher and a control system being provided by the military. There's no indication it's doing anything super-ambitious, like incorporating rival Artis' white-knuckle Iron Curtain system, which waits until the last moment before a rocket hits a truck to fire a missile downward at a 90-degree angle. Raytheon will basically develop a new interceptor missile for AI3.

Protecting soldiers from projectiles can generally be broken down into two categories: Systems that guard bases themselves, and others designed to protect moving vehicles, a realm known as "active protection" technology.

Where the latter is concerned, American company Saab has developed a vehicle-protection system that uses a Mongoose missile interceptor to shoot down incoming rockets, though the system has yet to be deployed. And Israel's Trophy system is essentially a tank outfitted with sensors that can detect an incoming projectile, and then unleash rounds of explosively formed penetrators that shred the projectile up before it detonates.

To protect bases, the military currently relies on C-RAM, which was developed by Northrop Grunman, primarily to protect against mortar attacks. That system has been described as a land version of the Phalanx, which is used by the Navy to defend ships from incoming attacks by firing off rounds from a 20mm Gatling gun on a swiveling base.

Raytheon hasn't offered up specifics on how AI3 will differ from C-RAM. But at least one distinction is clear: The AI3 will rely on interceptor missiles, rather than rounds of ammunition, to stave off a projectile. And that might make a significant difference in keeping bases safe. Most notably, C-RAM is hampered by a limited magazine capacity and limited range.

With any luck, the Pentagon's latest investment in anti-projectile tech will pay off. And insurgents looking to attack American soldiers will have some very bad news on their hands.